Shackleton Award

Ernest Shackleton Award

Sir Ernest Shackleton was a British explorer who is best known for his exceptional leadership after a failed Antarctic expedition. He exemplifies countless positive qualities – among them - leadership, ingenuity, optimism, courage, selflessness, and compassion. One of the best quotes known quotes referencing Shackleton's grit is by Raymond Priestly as follows:

“For scientific discovery, give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel, give me Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when you are seeing no way out, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton”

This quote has much relevance for the work that we are doing – and the environment we will be facing if/when a disaster strikes this community. We will need all the Shackletonian traits listed above when that time comes – and the time to foster and develop them is now!

For that reason, we have created the Ernest Shackleton Award, which will be given out to any member of the community who demonstrates these traits above and beyond. The award comes with a sticker, which can be proudly displayed on the recipient's hard hat - something we should all possess. (The concept is similar to what is used to reward college football players).

If you see someone who is deserving of recognition – please take note of the behavior and let me know so that we can appropriately award them!